COVID19 is our wake-up call to redefine the human-animal relationship and to put an end to the consumption of animals. In an attempt to prevent another global pandemic originating from animals, China has moved to end not only wildlife consumption but also the dog meat trade by leaving the animals out of the announced draft list of what is considered ‘livestock’. This leaves South Korea, another remaining major dog-eating country, in shame as they have not taken any action to end this practice.

Filthy dog farms where there are no regulations on hygienic practices were the breeding ground for the canine influenza A H3N2 virus first detected in 2007. They remain a ticking bomb for another zoonotic pandemic of epic proportions. Additionally, just recently, the Chinese government has also taken action by recognizing all dogs as ‘companion animals’ as is the international standard.

South Korea is the only country in the world that systematically breeds and raises dogs for meat. In 3 thousand filthy ‘dog farms’ scattered across the country’s countryside, one million dogs are born, raised, and slaughtered every year. Although a few mayors/governors have tried to drive dog slaughter out from cities or major markets, dog meat is being sold everywhere, all year round. The brutal dog meat trade is an ongoing problem in South Korea.

In 2018, when 2 anti-dog meat petitions historically reached over 200,000 signatures by the South Korean people, the government replied that it will “consider revising the related regulations to remove dogs from the country’s list of livestock.” However, no action of any sort has been taken since then.

We hereby urge South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in to remember the government’s declaration in 2018 and announce a road-map to put an end to the dog meat trade. South Korea, the 14th largest economy in the world and one of the most modern countries around the globe must not fall behind. NOW is the time to move in the progressive direction and end the country’s notorious dog meat trade.

Please take action on behalf of the animals by signing and sharing this petition.